Domestic homicides decline in Minnesota

An annual report from the Minnesota Coalition for Battered Women says 18 people were killed in domestic violence situations last year, the lowest number since 1991.

At least 14 women and one man were killed by a current or former partner. Three friends or family members died as a result of domestic violence. Coalition program manager Rebekah Moses says no children were killed in similar situations in 2012.

The St. Paul Pioneer Press nine of the 14 women killed by partners had experienced prior abuse. Seven were killed after they left or were trying to leave their spouse or partner.

The cause of death in half of the cases was gunshot wounds.

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